(Final Fantasy X- The Prelude)
We open up to the groups as the Boar's Hat was now situated in a now empty lot in Central City as they gathered outside it with drinks and food all set around.
"Good work all. In our first alliance battle between the Hobbyists and the Ultra Hero Alliance….we won!" Jexi shouted as the rest of them cheered with glee as they got down to the party.
"And it was a great honor to fight by your sides everyone." Ace said raising his glass. "So what are you guys gonna do, now that the Hobbyists are gone?"
"Now that things have calmed down for a bit, we can take the time to take it easy. At least until some new threat comes up or Flux comes up with a new evil plan." Jexi said.
"For us to foil." David quipped.
"Well me and my friends will be there to help however I can." Ace said before he burped and a bit of fire came out. "Pardon me."
"As for us, we'll be leaving after the celebration." Jack said. "Can't let the people think the Phantom Thieves have given up."
"Right, there's still more treasure and hearts to steal out there." Al said eating ice cream with Komasan.
"For us...I'm hitting the Steam Universe next." Jack said. "Gonna rip off the best-known organizations there...the combat revues theatres."
"Um…. Excuse me?" Sakura asked as behind jack, she, Ichiro, Erica, and Gemini were behind him, weapons drawn.
"Yeah… y'shouldnt really say who yer gonna rob from if the ones who live there are present in earshot, partner." Gemini said.
"Sorry...its gonna happen...and you can't do a thing about it." Jack said jumping while dodging several sword slashes and gunshots.
"Come on let's just enjoy the festivities." Ace said.
"Unfortunately, Jack just knows how to piss people off." David said.
"As for us, we'll head back to our base in Alola." Mustang said.
"Do you mind if we come with you?" Tapu Lele asked. "We haven't been to Alola since Acnologia attacked, and we may as well check to see how things are there."
"Of course. It'll be my first time and your return visit." Volta said.
"You know...It feels really nice to be friends with all of you, good and bad. I think I may have found my family." Ace said smiling at everyone.
"Well, you should be happy to know the Strike Force is staying here in Central City for a long while." Ty said.
"That is good it'll be easy if there's any trouble going around." Azura said.
"We're going back to New World by hitching a ride on a passing ship." Zexi said.
As Zexi said that, the TV changed to the Expedition Society logo.
"What is that?" Mari asked.
"The Expedition Society." Jexi said. "Wait that means."
On the screen, a large yellow sheep walked unto the screen with eyes closed before bumping into the camera. "Ah...there we go. Ladies and Gents of the universes. I am glad to say….the wait is almost over!" He said with an arm raised.
"What do you think he's talking about?" Roy asked.
"A new Furious series tournament." Hope said.
"A Furious series tournament? First I've heard of those." Ace said.
"What? Those are epic! Furious Fists, Furious World, Furious Universe, even Furious Racing! All sponsored by the Expedition Society." Indigo said.
"Sorry, but I was busy with trying to find Spade and defeat Gargos. But they do sound interesting." Ace said with a smirk.
"Our current event is under the title Furious Sports! A sporting competition not unlike the Olympic games which we plan to hold soon. As for all of you, you better get prepped cause we're deciding our sports as we speak. So keep your eyes peeled." Ampharos said before shutting his eyes and walking off.
"We are so gonna enter! It sounds really exciting." Kagura said standing up.
"Oh yeah. This is the kind of competition I can get behind." David said pounding his fist into an open palm.
"Count me in! I'm game." Ace said before turning to everyone. "And I'm sure you all are pumped up for this."
"Oh yeah. We've entered every Furious series competition." Jexi said.
"And this'll make Spirit Force's first Furious Series tournament as well." Papelne said.
"It's gonna take some time so we still have time before then." Jexi said.
"Say, Ace. Do you mind if our group goes with you?" David asked. "I know you'll be going to another world for an adventure, and it sounds like a good opportunity to get some training in."
Ace went over to him and grabbed both of David's hands. "Of course you guys can come! The more the merrier I always say. And maybe you could help teach me how to use artes and magic?" He said with stars in his eyes. "It'll be great!"
"That Ace is always searching for ways to get better…" Hope said. "So, Jexi. Where are we gonna go if David's gonna be busy?"
"Hmmm. Well...maybe it would be nice to go somewhere and take it easy. I'm thinking...London." Jexi said.
"Ah, London. It's been quite some time since we've been there." Rarity said.
"Oh, David. Since the Tapu Guardians won't be with us for a while, I want you to use these for the time being." Ace said holding out Biometals with Ramuh, Titan, Diablo, and Siren's designs.
"Thanks, but he's plenty strong already." Tapu Lele said.
"Actually, I think these will be a nice change of pace." David said.
"In order to use these, you just need to say "Rock On!" and you will don the armor and armiger weapon based on the biometals." Ace explained. "Since you know Diamond Dust, there's no need for Shiva's Biometal, so use these four wisely."
"Got it." David said.
"Do not worry. We'll be reunited once Furious Sports gets started." Tapu Fini said.
"And we'll be ready for when that time comes too, after a relaxing trip to London." Jexi said.
"I know why you picked that city. It has been some time since we've seen him as well." Aelita said.
"A friend of yours is there, Jexi?" Jago asked.
"An archeologist we help out from time to time and an amazing puzzle solver." Jexi said.
"I think I heard of him, he's Professor Layton right?" Mari asked.
"Yes. The professor's had our help from time to time. We've uncovered a hidden civilization, a curious village and a box that kills people." Tails said.
"Like Pandora's box?" Stoj asked.
"It's actually called the Elysian Box but you were close." Lucy said.
"Wait... isn't Elysian one of the terms from one of the worlds in the outrealms?" Reflet asked.
"It was, in reality, an ordinary box containing a hidden love message." Hope said.
"That's odd since it was a box known to kill people." Papelne said.
"We tend not to question stuff like that at this point. Well, Hope kind of still does." Lloyd said.
"Hey!" Hope said.
"That reminds me. Hope, if something does come up there...you have to promise not to make random guesses." Jexi said.
"Fine. I promise." Hope said.
"Some things are better left unsaid about the Supernatural. Though we sure had a great celebration huh?" Ace asked. "And it was really great to meet all of you in Valentina. If we hadn't...I wouldn't even be here. So thanks for letting me join the alliance and becoming friends with all of you."
"No sweat. You're our friend." Natsu said. "Now and forever."
Ace started to tear up as he smiled. "I'm glad. Thank you all so much for being my friends." He said wiping his tears away. "Man, I can't stop crying for some reason. Hahaha."
"Going back to London, you wonder what could be going on over there…" Hope said.
"We've been gone for so long...could be anything." Jexi said. "Still an amazing city."
"So we'll see you again at Furious Sports?" Ace asked.
"I think we should be ready around that time." Jexi said.
Ace held his fist out to bump with Jexi and Hope. "See you then bros."
"See ya." Hope said.
The party continued long into the night, when that time came, the groups were going their separate ways.
"This is goodbye, for now, Asta. Till we meet again." Yuno said.
"Yeah. But next time, I'll outshine you." Asta said smiling as Yuno headed off.
"Well, I gotta get back to Elympios and tell Yurgen, Rowen and the others the news. They're not gonna believe this." Alvin said. "We'll set up shop in Furious Sports, don't you worry."
"I guess we'll see you around, Alvin." Elize said.
"So Zexi, we'll see you at Furious Sports." Hope said.
"Ehh...not sure I'll compete or not." Zexi said. "But I know some people in my team would."
"In other words...we'll consider it." Harumi said. "Goodbye, older brother."
"Yep. See you around, Harumi." David said. "It's been nice traveling with you."
"Same here." Harumi said as they left.
"Well guess I should...wait, where's Jack? And where my wallet?" Hope asked before seeing Jack ride off in Mona with the other thieves. "Dammit!"
"Well, he is your brother and...wait...he never returned Aquarius's key like he promised!" Lucy said.
"Oh, you mean this?" Yaoyorozu asked holding the golden key inside a gift box. "He asked me to hand this over as soon as he got wallets from Hope, David, and Ace."
"I don't even have a wallet." Ace said. "I keep my loot in a vault with a code."
"And I barely bring a lot of money in mine at a time anyway. Only as much as I need between trips." David said.
"I betcha he'll be disappointed when he finds out." Ace added before looking at Hope and Jexi. "So we'll see you guys at the tournament?"
"You've already asked that and yes we will." Jexi said.
"Alright then. Are you ready David?" Ace asked.
"Oh yeah." David said.
"We'll see you at the tournament, you two." Hope said.
"See ya later." Jexi said.
Ace pumped his fist into the air as a sign of farewell. "Until next time."
To be continued in the following stories:
Jexi and Hope's route: Dimensional Heroes: Millionaire's Conspiracy
Ace and David's route: Spirit Force Brotherhood: Tales of Hearts R